Abstract:
The issue of same-sex relationships is complex in Zimbabwe because of the prevailing hostile
legal provisions, and cultural and religious beliefs. While it is a criminal offence to practise
same-sex relationships in Zimbabwe, the Constitution of Zimbabwe does not tolerate any
discrimination against people. The debate on same-sex relationships has been on spotlight in
Zimbabwe since 1995 when the late former President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, disparaged
same-sex relationships as not only unnatural and un-African, but also unchristian. The practice
of same-sex relationships has since remained politicised in Zimbabwe and elsewhere within
the African region and those practising it have often been discriminated against by society.
This article used a qualitative methodology to explore the religious experiences of Christians
in same-sex relationships in Harare, using insights from the notion of ubuntu. Field data were
gathered through social media from purposively selected respondents who were living in
same-sex relationships. Findings revealed that these people felt discriminated against and
unsafe in their own churches. Based on these findings, it is argued that despite their respective
views on same-sex relationships, the African church should respect the dignity of the people
involved in these relationships, and should also create safe spaces for them.
CONTRIBUTION: The article promotes sensitivity to the needs of minority groups in the society
and encourages the provision of appropriate guidance on how to deal with the phenomenon
of same-sex relationships.
Description:
DATA AVAILABITY STATEMENT: Publicly available data was cited and where possible, web
links were provided. However, data from the respondents
has been safely kept by the author.
This article forms part of a special collection: Zimbabwean Scholars in Dialogue, sub-edited by Conrad Chibango (Great Zimbabwe University).
